The weight of the air above an object exerts a force per unit area
upon that object
and this force is called pressure. Variations in pressure lead to the
development of winds, which in turn influence
our daily weather.
The purpose of this module is to introduce
pressure, how it
changes with height and
the importance of high and
low pressure systems.
In addition, this module introduces the
pressure gradient and
Coriolis forces and their role in generating wind.
Local wind systems such as land breezes and sea breezes will also be
introduced. The Forces and Winds module has been organized into
the following sections:

SectionsLast Update: 09/02/99

PressureIntroduces pressure, associated characteristics, and high and low
pressure centers.